**Ukraine's NATO Membership Prospects Dismissed by Former Armed Forces Chief**
In a recent statement, Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine's former armed forces chief and current ambassador to the UK, asserted that Ukraine will never become a member of NATO. During a meeting of Ukrainian ambassadors in Kiev, Zaluzhny characterized over a decade of promises regarding NATO accession as “fairy tales.” His comments come amid ongoing discussions about Ukraine's military alignment and security guarantees in the context of its conflict with Russia.
Zaluzhny, who is regarded as a significant political rival to President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed skepticism about NATO's effectiveness and military capabilities. He noted that the alliance appears to be operating under outdated military doctrines, which he believes hampers its ability to respond effectively to modern threats. “NATO will most likely remain in its current form and will spend another 12 years – just as Ukraine did – transitioning to the standards required to reach even half the level of the Russian Federation,” he stated.
Despite his critical view of NATO, Zaluzhny acknowledged that Ukraine still requires Western military technology, particularly in areas such as anti-missile defense and space capabilities. His remarks highlight a complex relationship between Ukraine and NATO, as the alliance has been hesitant to grant membership to Ukraine, particularly due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The issue of NATO membership has been a contentious topic in Ukraine since the country enshrined its aspirations for NATO and EU membership in its constitution in 2019. In September 2022, President Zelensky formally requested “accelerated accession” to NATO, following the escalation of hostilities with Russia. However, NATO has not established a clear timeline for Ukraine's membership, which requires unanimous approval from all 32 member states.
Zaluzhny's comments also reflect a broader sentiment among some Ukrainian officials that the country may need to explore alternative security arrangements. He suggested that Ukraine might consider aligning itself with a new “European military security bloc,” moving away from reliance on NATO. This perspective indicates a potential shift in Ukraine's approach to its security strategy as the conflict with Russia continues.
The reluctance of NATO to accept Ukraine into its ranks stems from the ongoing conflict with Russia, which has long viewed NATO's eastward expansion as a threat to its national security. High-ranking officials, including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, have previously ruled out the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO as part of any peace negotiations with Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has reiterated that preventing NATO troops from entering Ukraine is a primary objective for Russia in the ongoing conflict. This geopolitical tension complicates the prospects for Ukraine's NATO membership and underscores the challenges facing the country as it navigates its security landscape.
As Ukraine continues to grapple with its military and diplomatic future, Zaluzhny's remarks may resonate with those who question the viability of NATO membership and seek alternative paths for ensuring national security. The ongoing war with Russia remains a pivotal factor in shaping Ukraine's defense strategy and international alliances.